Staff Pick
Oliveira writes a suspenseful story of kidnapping, bribery,
corruption, prostitution, and unfettered misogyny in her story of 1879 Albany,
New York. At the beginning of a deadly blizzard, two young sisters and their
parents disappear into the snowy whiteout. Despite following every possible
clue, the girls' extended family comes up again and again with no answers, and
the local police seem prepared to close the investigation. Part mystery, part
family story, part recovery journey, part courtroom drama, The Winter Sisters is
complex, intelligent, and terrifying. Oliveira does a masterful job in
maneuvering her surprising plot, and treats her characters with kindness.
Wonderfully done. Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
From the New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter comes a rich and compelling historical novel about the disappearance of two young girls after a cataclysmic blizzard, and what happens when their fate is discovered
New York, 1879: After an epic snow storm ravages the city of Albany, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, begins a search for two little girls, the daughters of close friends killed by the storm who have vanished without a trace.
Mary’s mother and niece Elizabeth, who has been studying violin in Paris, return to Albany upon learning of the girls’ disappearance — but Elizabeth has another reason for wanting to come home, one she is not willing to reveal. Despite resistance from the community, who believe the girls to be dead, the family persists in their efforts to find the two sisters. When what happened to them is revealed, the uproar that ensues tears apart families, reputations, and even the social fabric of the city, exposing dark secrets about some of the most powerful of its citizens, and putting fragile loves and lives at great risk.
Winter Sisters is a propulsive new novel by the New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter.
Review
"Oliveira’s beautiful, expertly researched novel showcases the lives of women overcoming societal constraints and living fearlessly." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Oliveira crafts a complex, multifaceted historical novel that is both a captivating story and a commentary on the laws that have, for far too long, oppressed and endangered women....Entertaining at times, deeply political at others; a perfect example of a historical novel that also illuminates present-day issues." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"Engrossing...a meaty historical novel that sensitively addresses issues — among them gender equality, the rights of minors, corruption and child abuse — that plague us even today." The Seattle Times
Synopsis
"Stunning. . . Oliveira writes with feeling."--The New York Times Book Review " An] engrossing story. . . that feel utterly timely."
--People, "The Best New Books"
New York, 1879: An epic blizzard descends on Albany, devastating the city. When the snow finally settles, two newly orphaned girls are missing. Determined not to give up hope, Dr. Mary Sutter, a former Civil War surgeon, searches for the two sisters. When what happened to them is finally revealed, Dr. Sutter must fight the most powerful of Albany's citizens, risking personal and public danger as she seeks to protect the fragile, putting at risk loves and lives in her quest to right unimaginable wrongs.
As contemporary as it is historic, Winter Sisters is part gripping thriller, part family saga, and ultimately a story of trauma and resilience that explores the tremendous good and unspeakable evil of which humans are capable.
About the Author
Robin Oliveira is the New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter and I Always Loved You. She holds a BA in Russian and studied at the Pushkin Language Institute in Moscow. She received an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is also a registered nurse, specializing in critical care. She lives in Seattle, Washington.